Wasn't the type to tread so lightly even with the knowledge she knew not of his capabilities. Ignorant in who he was and what he could possibly do to her yet it was part of the hunt. Each person was a leap of faith. Once touching him, she knew instantly he wasn't what she needed to feed. Disappointed, she'd stare -- distracted. Head cants, looking away and towards the ground they had walked. "Hm. I'm sorry. I was just trying to eat your soul but.." Her words trailed off. There was little need to be sly anymore.

Shook her head, chin lifting to look towards him then past him and towards the bar. "Were you really going in there?"

Had she been detected? Had really no concern on that other than would she have to defend herself? She hadn't the strength. Don't be fooled, this demoness was no killer. It was never her intention nor was it necessary to feed. The emptiness you'd be left with would only leave one with the desire to die. She was guided to a bar -- was filled with concern. Did he have friends here?
Before he entered, an arm would reach out for him. She'd risk it all by fully revealing herself. "Sir. Sir? I believe you dropped something." Jewel's index would tap upon his shoulder.

Smiling I turn my head and see a monkey appear from the branches. Giving it the banana I then jump down Landing a few feet in front of the stranger. Bowing my head my Bright Eyes meet his as I move some curls out of my face. " I was simply hanging around trying to make time pass by. I am Lena."

Had learned the hard way that survival within the Realm was for the fittest. It was hard when only one thing truly fueled her. Souls. It would seem easy enough in a world occupied by billions. The Realm? Where souls went to die. Half of the occupants were without and the other half were protected fiercely by leaders. Jewel was becoming weak and her senses had been failing her. Felt she had better luck approaching those she had not known or seen before. Perhaps they might become dinner?

Before long, she'd search. It wasn't always safe to go to the unknown but she had little choice. Jewel couldn't weaken anymore. Her defenses would become obsolete and she would be stuck. Helping herself to the selection. New faces shown everyday; sometimes multiples at a time. She'd have to get lucky with one. With a flip of her hair, pursing of lips, and a pinch of her cheeks; she was ready. Approaching a man, he had a kind face..

Autumn placed the wine glass into the cupboard after last night's 'picnic'. Waterford crystal, given to them by Lucius' parents as a wedding gift. She cherished them and used them on a semi-regular basis. Just like those people who owned a gorgeous car but never took it out of the garage, it seemed silly to her to have them and not use them.

The redhead managed to distract herself from Kai's death by focusing on Lucius the night before, but today when she looked at him, she was reminded of his mortality. One day, Autumn would lose him. One day would be the last she ever saw his smile.

Some might react by clutching onto their loved one, but Autumn's head felt too chaotic for the moment.

Shaking her head, she left the kitchen to find Lucius. When she did, she gave him a sweet but lingering kiss. He knew, of course, the reason for her disquiet. "I am going for a drive. I should be back before dinner. Call or text if you need anything. I love you..."

After another kiss and gentle caress of his cheek, Autumn fetched her keys, got into her car, and off she went.

Autumn's cheerful voice echoed through the guest house. They called it a house but it was really a smallish castle. She didn't mind staying there, truth be told. It held precious memories for them. He'd asked her to be his Valentine and then his shortly thereafter.

"Lucy!" She skipped into the room her beloved currently occupied, brandishing the new, live action Disney movies, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. Hopping onto his lap, she gave him a kiss and then grinned broadly. "Movie night? Dinner is almost ready. If you set one of these up, I'll go fix our plates. Oh, and drinks."

Without waiting for an answer, Autumn trust the movies into his hand, smacked another kiss onto his lips, bounced to her feet and pranced away.

"Logan has a sophisticated taste in movies, alright? We were going to watch Silence of the Lambs tonight, but I suppose we can go Pixar instead." She took in a deep breath, relishing in the warm-ish summer evening air. "Only the best kinds of snacks. Cheetos, and tequila, and swedish fish...the staples!" She glanced over at him with warm cerulean eyes, sending a gentle elbow in his direction. "You know I'll take you up on that. I've never been to Romania, and I'm a sucker for traveling."

"Of course I have a room for you to stay in. There's always space. I think you left Moana in the DVD player. It's Logan's new favorite besides The Shining." She grinned, not a hint of sarcasm in her tone. "So! House shopping in Romania? Are you two moving out of London? That's exciting. It's been a long eightish months in Moscow. Especially in the winter. I'm definitely meant for the Mediterranean." El offered over Logan, happy, for once, to not have to have him on her hip. "I wish you'd given me a heads up. I would have gotten your favorite snacks!"

It only took a few minutes for Elouise to come sprinting out, actually dressed, with Logan in arm. "Where's Autumn?!" Too late. Lucius is already grabbed in a tight one-armed hug, careful not to squish the baby. "So? How are you? How are you liking Moscow? Are you going to stay on compound?"

A quiet chuckle escaped her lips. Autumn glanced sideways at the comment and peered at her beloved. "It was nice to see Logan. I never thought I would hold a little one." Her smile softened when she spoke of Elouise's son.

"We can always go see him if we need a baby fix. I'm still too greedy of your time to share that much of it with even a tiny you." Another smile and then a shapely brow arched. "You already downloaded the entirely Disney library for me. Are you talking about getting them all on bluray?"

Pinching the bridge of her nose between thumb and middle finger, Autumn rejoined Lucius where he still sat, watching Moana. She did not wear her typical smile.

"Come on, love," she said in a low tone, "we're going home. Elouise will call us if she needs us." Visibly unhappy about the whole situation, she flattened her lips together and headed toward the room they shared, intent on gathering their things.

Lucius
Maybe she likes getting singles tossed at her half-naked body?
I don't know. The last time Jameson danced for me I insisted on shoving cash down his shorts.
It's fun!
...but no. I don't think as a standard you should have to pay.

My Husband
That puts butterflies in my belly everytime...
I'd love to have somewhere of our own in both places. Could you set a portal of sorts up (I just wiggled my fingers even though you can't see it...) so we can easily go back and forth instead of flying?

Pumpkin
Spring can take over. I have my own investments and ventures to look after.
You and her are the only reason I stayed in London. Most of the good memories I have there involve you. The rest... well, you know. I have no lost love for London.

Jace spun back around at the mention of his name a split second before the wall beside him exploded. He jerked his hands up to protect his ears from the noise, not out of fear. After most of the smoke cleared, he took a gander at the large crater before the wall began to repair itself.

Bright blue eyes traveled back to Sparky.

An enormous grin broke out across his face. He clapped his hands together. "Let me revise my previous statement... Welcome to Requiem! The first one was obligatory but I mean it now. A man of your talents will prove useful. Hey, my eyes do the thing, too." He pointed to his eyes as they went black and back. "Twinsies! About your-"

Jace held up a finger and squeezed his eyes shut as he produced a tremendous sneeze. "Sorry, dust... As I was saying, don't worry about your wifey. She's safe from me. Mine will slice and dice me AND her if I went there. Sorry, but you're not scary. She is. Either way, in Requiem, you're family. End of story. I wasn't kidding about the flying body parts though..."

Jace spotted one half of the coven's newest couple. They'd both been to Requiem's castle before, so he recognized Lucius. Atom made it clear in a previous conversation to stay away from the redhead and he had. Mostly. He never followed rules completely.

Thumbs hooked into his pockets and whistling tunelessly, Jace approached the taller man. "Lucius, right? I'm supposed to welcome you to Requiem, tell you to make yourself at home and if you need any help, come find me.
Watch out for body parts flying through the air. My wifey likes to throw them." He scratched his clean shaven cheek.

"Think that's about it." He snapped his fingers. "Oh! Congrats on the wedding." A smirk appeared on his face. "Your new wifey smells delicious." The comment was meant how it sounded. As a jab.

Satisfied he'd done his job, Jace spun on his heel and went off on his way.

LucyTechnically, I was dead for a bit. Blood magic is useful for when one succumbs to death.Luckily, my assailant did not burn my body, only separated the pieces. So I simply...put myself back together. With some help.And destroy you? No, that's to easy. To quick. You must prolong the torment and make sure you achieve optimum misery.It's a science, torturing your enemies.

My Husband
It is yours and only yours. I quite like it myself... and when you call me your wife.
Why wouldn't you expect that from Kai? He is a sweetheart. In fact, I probably owe him a drinking/baking party.
He left a note threatening anyone else not to touch it, but I offered Atom to have some. The cake is enormous!

My Husband
Still so weird to think of you that way... every time you called me your wife while we were talking to Atom put butterflies in my belly.
Anyway! How are things going with your father and brother?

LuciusIf you wish to come by the coven, we can discuss things there.Plus, I have red velvet cake that's calling my name and I can't just leave it here alone.We have a living teddy bear infestation.They always take my cake.[Location sent]

My Lucy
I went over to my house to get a few more things today.
It doesn't much feel like home here anymore... but that's beside the point. Anyway, I was going through old boxes and guess what I found?
The sweater you gave me years ago.

Holding the notes she'd pinched from Lucius' pocket, Autumn gazed at him and canted her head to one side, looking very much like a mischievous kitten.

"You know, I'm beginning to think you carry money around in your pocket specifically for me to nip, because you enjoy it," she grinned.

Without warning, she stepped around behind Lucius and pounced. Autumn wrapped her arms and legs around his neck and waist, respectively. After nuzzling her nose against the shell of his ear, she kissed the same spot and murmured, "I love you..."

...Are you inviting me to dinner with my own money?
*squees*
Can we get pizza? Noah likes Pizza. It's almost gooey enough for Rigsby to chew. Ohohohohoh and it's not hazardous to Clark Kent or Rigsby Puppy!

Lucius
You bring her back. I don't care if she can't find Blaize or if he doesn't want to return home. Don't let her get stuck there.
Please.
I don't know if you know much about our past. There are two people down there that...just keep her by your side, alright? Like, superglued.

The Security
So, I hear you've got ways. Security expert? Cameras? Surveillance detail? I know you're around with Autumn. I'm hoping we can work out a monetary agreement for an.. extra level of support.

The Security
This is going to involve personal detail. And the guarantee that a pretty redhead won't be able to sway you to look the other way when I'm gone.

If Autumn were a tea kettle, her ears would be whistling with steam coming out of them. The woman was hot. She all but vibrated, tension thrumming through her muscles. A crack of protest sounded from the phone in her hand.

"Take this... or I am going to destroy it." She held the phone out to Lucius. If he didn't take it, she would drop it. "Answer her if you wish. Or don't. I do not give a f*ck right now. I am taking the keys and going for a drive. Wait for her. If I see her right now, I will slap her goddamn face off."

Lucius
I love Autumn.
But everyone needs to understand I do not require a constant hand-hold.
I've dealt with worse things than a gunshot, Lucius. And I'm pregnant, not dying.
Don't let her leave. I'll talk to her tomorrow when she's calmed down.

"How do you save someone from themselves?" Autumn shook her head and resisted the urge to throw her phone. She still needed that... her free hand balled into a fist tight enough to make her knuckles crack. "I don't know where she is, Lucius."

Autumn wandered over to Lucius and gave him a light kiss, then two. "Aye, I know where we're staying. This is not the first time I've been here... But why don't you go at least tell Elouise goodnight? She hasn't even seen you since we got here. I'll wait for you." She offered a small smile.

A's L
Thirty? Perfecto. That'll do me for a while I think. Right? Eh, you can give me instructions when I get there.
Oh, I am keenly aware how quality is worth every penny. It's how I do so well in my profession. :D

A's L
Cancel that overnight delivery. I found the pause button on the remote. Plus I need to snuggle a certain recently-shot-pregnant-woman (wtf?!?!). So if you have the vials in...T minus 18 hours, I'll give you cash. Do you take Australian dollars?

My Lucy
Iubițel, will you do me a favor?
Elouise is hungry. So am I, and am rather stuck at the moment...
Bring us pizza? And a few other things.
Two pizzas, extra cheese, extra meat. All the meat. Um... mozzarella sticks, French fries, and an order of pierogies. Thank you!
Te iubesc din toată inima.

Lucius looked away, and Autumn's stomach dropped to her toes. She expected him to deny her request. It was a tremendous feat, this plan, and not to be taken lightly.

Dread formed a cold ball in her guts. F*ck...

She opened her mouth to object. Then froze, mouth hanging open, the words processing in her brain. Beyond all expectations, he agreed. "You..." There's a word for it... Speechless. Autumn was speechless.

The petite redhead sprang into action. Literally. She hopped, wrapping arms and legs around his neck and waist, respectively. Her lips fastened onto his. As 'thank you' kisses go, this was one for the record books.

To her credit, Autumn did not plant an elbow into Lucius' ribs for the hell spawn comment. That's simply how he was, and she didn't have the energy or desire to make an issue of it. His arms felt so good wrapped around her, and she sank further into the shield his large body offered.

"Aye, I trust him to do it," she replied quietly, after taking a moment to collect herself. "If he can't, no one can. No one I know, at any rate."

Her phone binged again. She pulled it out and read the message. Stared. Started piecing things together. "He's not asked for anything. Let me ask you... If you can help, would you? He just now mentioned the need for, quote, LOT of power, end quote. I so rarely ask anything of you..."

Autumn fell silent and listened, further relaxing into Lucius' affections. Funny, once she surrendered control and stopped fighting it, the weight of the world didn't press so heavily when she allowed him to help hold her up. She'd always considered such things to be weakness, but Lucius was proving it otherwise.

"I know. Though Atom's talents are not the same as yours. We all have our strengths... this is one of his." Autumn closed her eyes and hugged his arms across her torso. "I have to try. If it fails, it fails, but I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't at least try. Blaize would do the same for me, and I would move Heaven, Hell and earth if it were you."

The tip of her index finger began to work circles on his arm. "He raised me, us, more than our parents did. He did his best to put food into our bellies. He kissed skinned knees. He bloody sacrificed himself to try and save me from my fate with those f*cking b*stards," she hiccuped, bombarded with memories. "Please, Lucius, I need to try..."

Autumn's Lucy
Depends- how much do I need to use for the desired effect?
How much do I want to pay? Nothing, that's how much I want to pay. Little vials of sh!t that make me sober aren't exactly what I'm used to buying. I have no idea about market value. You tell me how much I need for the desired effect and the cost. I'll say how much I want and send payment.
At least that is how it's done when I buy other home concoctions off the street.
I do appreciate it.
Oh- I'll pay for overnight delivery to Sydney. I'm in the middle of a Magnum P. I. marathon that cannot be interrupted.

One shapely brow arched and she glanced over her shoulder at Lucius. "You have met Jameson. You were there for their second marriage. Must've been more drunk than you thought," she chuckled, once, and then sobered.

Several moments passed before Autumn spoke again. "I'm sorry for losing my head last night. Everything just... thank you for being there." Her brows knit together then. "I've been talking to Atom. He can find Blaize, but bringing him back? I don't know if it will work."

Thumbing through her phone, she searched through lines of contacts- most of whom were randoms she had no intention of ever calling. In this instance, she actually was looking for a number she’d drunkenly added to her phone one night in Paris. Or was it Autumn? Had she added this number into her phone? Sh!t. Who knew. Summer frowned, brows knitted tightly together. Christ on rye, what the f-ck was his name? It was a girls name. Libby. Hmm. No. That wasn’t right.

Sitting upright with a start, Flamin-hot Cheetoh’s tumbled off her chest onto the small loveseat in her room. Actually lifting her free hand up, she snapped her fingers as she remembered. It wasn’t under the ‘L’s in her contact list at all. Duh.

Autumn’s Lucy
Hey dude, this is Summer. Autumn’s older sister? We met in Paris or so I’m told? I was pretty wasted. Anyhow. That actually is why I’m texting. I’m in need of a tincture. A potion or something. Something that will sober me instantly. I have a way to do it naturally, but sometimes I like to be a bit more discreet. A consumable that can be tucked in a little vial or something. Is that within your realm of talents? If nah, that’s cool. I can roll with what I’ve got and just scare the sh!t out of everyone around me. F-ck ‘em, right?
Give that lil minx a bear hug for me, k?

-Comes hopping by in a bunny suit with an orange tabby cat sidekick in his basket--hands the man a basket full of Cadbury eggs, chocolates, plastic eggs full of goodies and a stuffed rabbit-"Happy Easter!"-Hops away to his next victim-

Best Future Uncle
Sorry I had to leave so suddenly. I was duped into coming home to my husband via a third party. :)
You are a phenomenal friend to have, Lucius. My kid is lucky to have people like you and Autumn to fall back on.

My Lucy
You're amazing, did you know that?
No one ever said we were broke. We grew up that way. Our parents are, and likely to stay that way. Worthless f*cks.
My siblings all have varying degrees of wealth.

My Lucy
Be tourists. See the sights.
Drink wine.
The most important thing is being there with you.
We can take Blaize's jet, by the way, and he can arrange somewhere for us to stay, if you haven't already taken care of that.

Gullible Future Uncle
Ohhhh. Okay. I see.
And, I was teasing. She's never seen me naked. And I barely saw anything. Like. Only one cheek. Totally fine.
The only people who have seen me naked are Jameson and my lady doctor.

My Lucy
Jfc. Don't get your knickers in a twist.
Atom is Kai's husband and the leader of Requiem. Nice guy. Want to meet him?
He invited me back to have a night out with them. I can ask if he minds you coming, too.

Future Uncle Lucy
Will Winter be joining us?
You'd really be fulfilling a pregnant woman's final wishes.
Hold on. Only half of that statement worked. I'm not dying, but my social life will be. Anyways. Winter please! :)

My Lucy
This isn't America. Nor is it history, and that isn't sexy. At all. Keep it up and I'll sleep with Elouise tonight.
I will absolutely tattle on you. I'll do it so fast your head will spin. NO TOFU.

Lucius
...deal. Omg. I'm tearing up. Yay!
Baby Rambo is so lucky.
I'm visiting next week. I hope you have your helmet ready, because I have a feeling Autumn is going to be squealing a lot.
I'm showing, she's definitely going to try to talk to my stomach.
PS, I'm about to send her an ultrasound picture, so I would duck and cover.

Rereading the text message, Autumn fights not to feel a flash of hurt/irritation but fails. Granted, the woman is family, but he neglected to mention it until after he'd already offered instead of paying Autumn the courtesy of checking with her first.

He might call it theirs, but obviously still saw it as his. It rubs her the wrong way. It shouldn't, but it does.

My Lucy
Why would I lose my touch? You are dear to me. You're also not the only one who can feel a jump in power. I mean it in a very literal sense... that isn't a complaint, by the way. Quite the opposite.

My Lucy
Because to most of the world's population, magic doesn't exist. Nor do I. We are things straight out of legend, Lucius, and people are none the wiser. You can do incredible things. Don't ever discount yourself.
Movies are exactly that. Movies. Entertainment. But I have the real f*cking thing with you. I think that is pretty goddamn neat.

Obediently, Autumn places apologetic kisses onto the spot (presumably) her phone made friends with Lucius' head. She gives more than one, if for no other reason than to cover her bases the next time she manages to clobber him with something. It's going to happen, folks. It's only a matter of time.

One last kiss and nuzzle because the man's hair smells damn good and she can't help herself.

"It was an accident... I was texting Elouise and she told me the baby was a boy." Just like that, Autumn's face lights up and she squees! Then she clears her throat sheepishly. "Anyway, I got all excited and you know the rest."

At this point Autumn flashes Lucius a winning smile. "Have I told you lately that I love you?"

Biting her lips together, Autumn struggles not to burst out into laughter. His expression is priceless. Her lips quiver with the effort not to start snickering.

"My phone took a flying lesson... evidently it likes your head." A small giggle escapes, which she attempts to cover by coughing. "Ah, I'm sorry, love. Want me to kiss it better? You'll have to bend over because I can't reach, even on my tippy toes." Autumn uses a hand to cover her mouth and hide her smile.

Autumn looks down at the message on her phone and suddenly lets out an excited squeal, hands going up like a serious fan-girl. The phone flies, like a small, rectangular missile. Riiiight toward Lucius' head.

Tease
We have nothing but time. Everyone else can piss off, and I mean that in the nicest way possible.
Oh no you don't. I'm cooking tonight. Headed back to the car with your coffee in hand as I type. Are you done playing with that program?

Just Wait
You're such a priss. It's adorable.
I'm going to be happy for you about the software despite the fact you know how utterly hopeless I am with technology. It's a damn good thing you're around.

Amidst the barrage of text messages back and forth between herself and Winter, when Autumn's phone goes off again, that's exactly who she expects it to be. Such is not the case this time. No, it's from Lucius, and she melts a little bit when she reads it.

Okay, not a little bit. A lot. As evident by the soft, involuntary smile which stretches across her lips and the way her heart skips.

Dragostea Mea
I love you, too.
I'm sorry for leaving so early this morning. I promise to try not to take too long. Is there anything you need while I'm out?

Rotten
She certainly thinks so. She called you "quite a hunk," and proceeded to tell me... "As you young folks say, put a ring on it, before someone else does."
I'm laughing so hard my eyes are watering.

Lucius
Well, Jameson is smart.
I'd tell you all about it, but I remember nothing.
Well, I remember up to a certain point. He told me he loved me, I puked on him, and then at some point after that we hitched.

Lucius
I f*cking knew you were her date. That's great! I have no idea what the hubster and I are doing. Probably tacos. But that's what I do every night anyway. Maybe I'll get a heart shaped box full of Hersey kisses. That's the goal!

Likewise
Don't call me 'babe'. I'm not a f*cking pig. I hate those goddamn pet names, with a very few exceptions.
No, Elouise was posting her NSFW pictures there, thinking she was sending them to someone else. I don't know the details. You'd have to ask her.

TMI
Sounds like that movie, Her, where that guy falls in love with his phone. Would you like alone time with it?
On another note, will you hack a website and remove some misplaced photos of a mutual friend?

She felt like she was in a fever dream, or maybe some bad trip on some f-cked up acid. As soon as she'd get bounced from the cell, she was shoved back in, then tugged out. It was like a game of tug-of-war, one in which a very stoned angel was the rope.
To be fair, she did her share of tugging. Mostly to no avail. Sometimes it was out of desperation, grabbing someone's shirt as a means to slip out the door as well. That usually backfired.
But not this time. A familiar-ish face, but given the nightmare quality of her current situation, that didn't mean anything. Maybe he frequented the club? Maybe he was a mutual acquaintance? Oh sh-t, maybe she bought some weed off him sometime. Hmm, that must be it.
Furrowing her brows as she tried to place his face, her hand gripped his arm. Someone tugged her out and as a result, out he came too!You managed to break out Lucius Dalca.
Before she could ask how she knew him, she was shoved back into a cell.

Lucius
MY ASS IS GREAT. A GREAT BIG ASS. AND MY HUSBAND LOVES IT, SO F*CK YOU.
AND MY BACK ONLY HURTS BECAUSE I'M PREGNANT, YOU PIECE OF SH*T. I'M FINE. YOU'RE THE ONE WHO'S GONNA NEED A DOCTOR IN ABOUT FIVE MINUTES.
I JUST HAVE TO FINISH EATING THIS PIZZA BY MYSELF.

The Angel shrugs softly, giving off the appearance of a coy and slightly flippant young lady. While the years have certainly worn hard on our girl, the soft glow of her smooth and youthful skin would allow those around her to consider her the age of barely twenty. Although politics would most likely render her attitude unmistakably older... Right now she behaved exactly as she appeared.

Young. Sweet. Devious.

"Because, my dear..." Cami's flaxen locks graze the pale lapels of her jacket, but she pulls back just a bit, unwilling to invade the strangers personal space much further, "I've just slipped you the key to euphoria."

Euphoria... Look closely. Bliss is in the gummy bear.

"You're welcome." A childlike giggle sneaks past her parted lips, dimples pressed into the sides of her cheeks.

Camille tiptoes along, and even though the weather in London was not ideal, it afforded a a break from snowy weather. She found an allowance for footwear that wasn't heavy- and as such found that gliding along smooth cobbled streets was nothing less than spectacular.

It might have had something to do with those little blue gummies that she favored so well... But we digress. The Angels flowing visage was nothing short of wondrous, as on the rare occasion when the girl wore a smile, the entire world around her seemed to come alive in a burst of flame. Although behind her gracious expression was still the desire to burn the world itself... That's neither here nor there.

"You." She catches a glimpse at the man on the sidewalk, his bright eyes upsetting her motion. "You're that... Guy. Magic fingers..." Does she know his name? Eh. It doesn't matter. Not yet.

Soft pads of her feet patter as the breeze carries her forward, and before he's likely to realize what is happening, she's pressing a gummie into the palm of his hand. Her slim fingers move to press a short stemmed, white petaled flower into any opened pouch in his clothing [Pocket? Button hole?].

Mackenzie is shameless, but that is allowed when you're married to Indiana Jones without actually knowing the guy. Seriously. She doesn't know sh-t about him. It's great. So, after making an agreement with the fresher blood of the Realm, she stuffs a hundred quid into the man's back pocket before looking him in the eye.

"This might hurt a little," she winces through her words, on his behalf.

Without any sort of hesitation, Mackenzie pulls back her small fist and lets it fly, hitting the man square in the jaw. One hit, and he's down. A small frown finds it's place upon the traitorous vampire's lips as she moves, despite having just become an aggressor, to place a kiss upon the man's cheek.

During this time, Autumn has been furiously sending and receiving text messages to and from three different people. Two of which are being conveniently f*cking difficult. Her temper has begun to simmer. They both seem to be forgetting she does not have to stay at Mercy. She has her own goddamn house, and is moments away from going there.

"You lost it. That means you get to find it. Lucky you!" Her smile is obscenely exaggerated. Then she grimaces. "Search you? No. Go hit up one of your skeezy strip clubs if you want to be felt up. You're barking up the wrong tree."

Not the one Summer works at, to be clear.

Finally, Autumn relents and ambles to the leather couch, flopping without grace onto it, drink in hand. "Where would you like to begin, Doctor Freud?"

Absently Autumn moves her foot this way and that, keeping Maddie the kitten entertained. The corners of her eyes switch. It's barely noticeable. "It is. And if you've lost the key, that means you won't be able to get back in. Perfect. It also means someone else might find it, and I will bloody strangle you if that happens. It would be in your best interest to locate the f*cking key."

After taking a sip, the redhead gives Lucius the sort of smile that, if he's a smart man, will set warning bells off in his head.

"I would assume so. Gray isn't one to spare expense. But I haven't been into everyone's room." Another shrug as Autumn wanders from the bedroom into the living room, following her friend's footsteps and the promise of liquor.

She sets Maddie onto the floor, who promptly attempts to pounce her foot after each step. Silly thing. It draws an indulgent chuckle from her.

"Fork over my key. You don't need it. You can visit the same way everyone else does. By knocking. Or a text message." Or, in Ra's case, VIA the closet. But that's another matter entirely. Plucking the tumbler meant for her up, Autumn holds the other hand out expectantly.

Fact: being nice to Maddie will always win points with Autumn. No two ways around it.

She flashes a grin at Lucius. "The Russian vodka is out in the living room where I left it. I didn't want to throw it if worst came to worst," she shrugs and continues to scratch the loudly purring kitten.

"This is my suite, Lucyboy. There are plenty other, empty rooms available for you. Emphasis on empty. I don't share my bed. Or the rest of my space. That being said, you're always welcome to visit."

"Spring... Of course. I'm not surprised. It's a very Spring thing to do." Autumn's slender shoulders lift in a shrug as she saunters the rest of the way to her bed. "Bang and then die. She's f*cked up but necrophelia is a bit out there even for her."

Her face softens into something else entirely when her gaze settles onto Maddie. "Hello, my sweet girl..." picking the kitten up, Autumn cuddles the small body to her chest. Maddie returns the affection in loud purrs and a head bump to her owner's chin. The kitten is Autumn's single source of joy at the moment.

"Winter is an experience. If you want a drink, the liquor cabinet is open." She points with one hand whilst scratching Maddie's ear with the other. "We'll get the right key from Spring later. For now... it's good to see you."

Curious, Autumn peers at her phone. Where can he possibly be? He has to at least know where Mercy is. Lucius isn't the type to stand her up. He's rough around the edges, sure, but not a total @sshole.

Then it dawns on her. Cat. Kitten? Maddie?

She slips the phone back into her pocket and makes her way to the elevator, which takes her to the top floor. Not long after that, Autumn uses the key to enter the flat given to her by Gray, and knows as soon as she steps through the door that's where Lucius is. How? His scent, of course.

Autumn slowly pads through the living room, hallway, and into the bedroom, where she finds her friend sprawled on her bed, thank you very much. Maddie, the little hussy, is curled up and sleeping soundly with him. She can't help but chuckle.

"Please, make yourself at home. Not that I mind all that much, but why do you have a key to my room?"

Autumn fully expected for Lucius to meet her in the common room, although he may not be aware of its existence, given the chance of Spring showing him around was negligible. Still... she waits, but hasn't even heard the whisper of the well maintained elevator indicating an arrival on the upper floors.

Lucy
More details of your sex life? I didn't know you had voyeuristic tendencies.
JFC, I need a vacation... I don't have the patience to deal with this. Just make an excuse and escape. I'm at Mercy. Come meet me.

Lucy
Oi! I love the Harry Potter movies.
Hold up, did you just make a terrible attempt to flirt with me? Ugh... No. Just, no. And Mrs. November? Is there something you're not telling me? Maybe Winter waws right.
Speaking of which, good luck!

Lucy
F*cking pr*ck. Pinch my cheeks and see what happens. I bite. Then and I'll sic Winter on you. Let's see you deal with both of them.
Welcome to my world. Darling, if you were truly worried about your mental health, you wouldn't still be my friend after all these years. Kiss kiss.

Lucy
Why the f*ck are you calling me tumtum? Are you daft? Or are you saying I'm fat?
I'm not stealing a priceless work of art, and ice cream will melt on the plane. You'll get a bottle of vodka. I'll be home soon, if only to knock some bloody sense into you.